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Car and Driver released their Lightning Lap video for the LL3 class (cars in a $60,000-$119,999 price range) cars. Eight cars competed in this class including the Ford Shelby GT500, Porsche Boxster S, Audi RS5, Audi S6, BMW M5, Porsche 911 Carrera S, BMW M6, and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series. Some very impressive hardware in this category and the comparison was done at VIR (Virginia International Raceway).

The new F10 M5 did not impress with its driving characteristics. Car and Driver stated the vehicle was very heavy in the 4400 pound range which quickly overwhelmed the tires. The steering was said to be numb but the car did post a respectable laptime which Car and Driver attributed to the power.

The F13 M6 was stated be incredibly similar to the F10 M5 although it is 206 pounds lighter. Car and Driver did not really like the M6 either complaining about the heft and rear end instability.

The Audi RS5 actually outlapped both of the previously mentioned BMW M cars despite the large power disparity. It even improved upon a V8 R8 previously tested.

The full laptime list and video for the LL3 class is below. Congratulations to Mercedes-Benz who had the fastest laptime of the class courtesy of the C63 AMG Black Series Coupe, very impressive:

Everyone is forgetting that the last gen M6 did a 3:10. So a 6 second improvement is impressive but probably attributed to the 4.4's power advantage. What's kind of saddening to the 4.4 is the fact that the M5 trapped 4 mph higher than the M6 on the fastest straight. Kind of weird to me and the only thing I could think of is the engine in the M6 was either getting tired, the M5 had a faster corner exit speed, or the M5 was a ringer. Still impressive for the BMW's to be 4 seconds faster than one of their main competitors. Audi. The S6 is impressive in a straight line, but this clearly shows the M5 being faster. Hopefully the US can have the RS6 to purchase so they can do a test on VIR for better comparison. The RS5 is impressive, but it's 1 second faster than the M3 that was tested in 08/09. Realistically, with the drastic improvements in time for the newer M5/6 I'm curious to see how much improvement the M3/4 does. As always, Audi is late to the party so I am sure it will be faster than both the RS5 and the C63 coupe.

The M's are faster than prior generations of the same cars. But the driving impressions didnt sound great for sure, I would still by a M6 to me its a highway and back roads monster. A true GT car and capable of covering big distances swiftly and in total comfort. Frankly the C63 is not the M6 competitor in my view, the CL63 or 65 is the real competitor. Show me a time for that thing, the M is walking it all day long.

The M's are faster than prior generations of the same cars. But the driving impressions didnt sound great for sure, I would still by a M6 to me its a highway and back roads monster. A true GT car and capable of covering big distances swiftly and in total comfort.

I agree totally. The M3/4 really will represent BMW in these tests. With ~1,000lbs less curb weight, they should have a good showing.

The new Carrera S is pretty impressive here with a 2:58.9. Compare with some of the 997 iterations:

Wow, if that's not impressive, I am not sure what is. A NA 991 is nearly as fast as the Turbo of yesteryear, and gives the GT3 a good run for the money. I really would like to give the new 991 a go, but have a feeling I would not leave without taking it home.

Yeah, that's true for sure... I am curious if the engine dampeners, suspension, etc. improvements make a difference too - most of the magazines dismiss the dampeners, and all the other pricey options, but am guessing you REALLY need to drive both cars the way you drive - with and without these options - to see if they are worth the price. I have a feeling Porsche wouldn't offer them if they weren't worth it - and considering I already replaced my engine dampeners on my M3, would probably bite on these things.

I am going to love the GT3 with PDK - I have a feeling this car is going to be as shockingly good as the 991 S.